So where is Dry Tortugas, and how did such a natural treasure get such a goofy name? About 68 miles off the western tip of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is a group of tiny islets known for their sea turtles. A portion of its unique name is explained by the fact that the Spanish word for turtles is tortugas.
But what makes it dry, given that Dry Tortugas Park is surrounded by the waters of the crystal clear blue Caribbean? It turns out that the name comes from when the Spaniards occupied the islands, and they quickly discovered there was no fresh water available. So the islands eventually became known as the Dry Tortugas, or “dry turtles.” Even now, because the islands are a major tourist attraction, visitors must pack their own water.
First designated a National Monument by FDR, the Dry Tortugas islets were named a National Park in 1992 at the tail end of George H. W. Bush’s term right before Clinton won the November election. The home of the previously unfinished Civil War era Fort Jefferson, a brick structure later used as a prison to house accused conspirators in President Lincoln’s assassination, the strip of sandy beaches and shallow, colorful reefs has become a destination for 80,000 tourists each year. Everyone leaves in amazement at the fascinating history of the former fort originally thought of as a defense against the real pirates of the Caribbean.
Visitors to Dry Tortugas can enjoy a large array of activities, from educational tours of Ft. Jefferson, to lazy days on the beach, to spectacular wildlife snorkel tours of the corral reef.
Of course, the only access to the island is by boat of sea plan. So if you want to book a trip, a Dry Tortugas charter will be necessary. There are some great discounts available on Dry Tortugas charters, Key West hotels, Key West snorkeling, and other recreation packages at Gold Card Key West.